News Flash

General City News

Expansion officially open for business

The City of Huntsville Tourism and Cultural Services Department is pleased to announce the opening of the expansion to the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center.

On July 20th, the Department hosted an official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the William H. Hodges Education Building, honoring former Mayor Bill Hodges. He played a vital role in the City’s placement of the statue and addition of the visitor center.

Houston-based PGAL Architects designed the expansion to the Visitor Center, after assessing the needs of the original building. The initial structure has 2,500 square feet of usable space for offices, gathering areas, and the gift shop. The expansion boasts 4,000 square feet of additional room to host tour and school groups, events, provide additional office space, and restrooms.

Kimm Thomas, Director of Tourism and Cultural Services, shared the specifics of the new building.

“Care was taken to maintain the aesthetics of the current visitor center. Over 1.3 million visitors have passed through the Visitors Center in 24 years, and the numbers are expected to continue growing,” said Thomas. “We’re pleased to offer a more accommodating visitor center to local citizens and visitors.”

The William H. Hodges Education Building is available for rental in the evenings and on weekends. For more information, visit www.HuntsvilleTexas.com.